CBI starts new inquiry against JSPL for forest land diversion

New Delhi: CBI has started a fresh inquiry against unknown officials of Jindal Steel and Power Limited for alleged diversion of forest land in Jharkhand for mining purpose in collusion with Environment Ministry officials.

CBI sources said the inquiry has been initiated against unknown officials of JSPL and Environment Ministry for alleged irregularities in diversion of Saranda forest land in Jharkhand between 2007-13.

They said nearly 512.43 hectares of ecologically-sensitive Saranda forest in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand were diverted for Ghatkuri Iron Ore mining lease project in favour of JSPL.

They said there were glaring irregularities in the allocation process as the Environment Ministry changed its position number of times before it was allocated in 2013.

According to the sources, the preliminary enquiry was registered after the irregularities surfaced during the examination of documents recovered during the probe of other FIRs registered against the group.

No immediate comments were available from JSPL but at the time of filing a recent FIR by CBI, company spokesperson had said, "JSPL reiterates that all its actions are in keeping with the legal framework of the country and that it complies with the law in letter and in spirit.

"JSPL continues to co-operate with all the authorities in a responsive manner."

The agency has recently registered an FIR against the group in coal scam for alleged irregularities in the operations of Gare Palma IV/1 coal block allocated to Jindal Steel and Power Limited.